Washington State is home to a wealth of historical attractions. From the National Mall and the Smithsonian in Washington DC to dozens of lighthouses along the coastline and museums throughout the state, there’s something for everyone.
At the Washington State History Museum, people of all ages can explore and be entertained in an environment where characters from our state’s past speak. It’s an experience filled with interactive exhibits, dramatic artifacts and theatrical storytelling.
The National Mall
The National Mall is a massive open space in the heart of Washington DC. It stretches two miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.
The Mall is the city’s main park and has many famous monuments, museums and other attractions. It’s also the most popular and visited part of the city.
Its name comes from the French word “malle,” which means “green space” or “park.” When Pierre L’Enfant planned Washington DC, he included a large green space between the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
Today, the Mall is the centerpiece of a huge museum complex that includes several top-notch Smithsonian Institution galleries and some of the most interesting art museums in America. Here, visitors can explore the history of the United States through a wide variety of subjects including film, culinary history and women’s history.
The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. Founded in 1846, it includes 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities.
The history of the Smithsonian is an interesting story and one that continues to grow today. The Institute is home to a large number of museums that offer visitors insight into the history and culture of the United States.
The Museum Day program of the Smithsonian is a wonderful way for you to discover a wide variety of museums in the area that are open for free. These include the National Air and Space Museum, the American Indian Museum, the Freer/Sackler Gallery of Asian Art, and more! You can also take a free tour that highlights many of the buildings and sights along the National Mall.
The Space Needle
Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle became an iconic symbol of Seattle and a must-visit attraction for visitors. Its observation deck offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding area.
Today, more than a million people visit the Space Needle each year to experience the views from the top. A recent $100 million renovation reopened a lower level with the world’s only revolving glass floor and improved other aspects of the landmark’s visitor experience.
The Needle’s history is a fascinating one, involving the unlikely creation of an iconic landmark and an enduring relationship with the public. In his book Space Needle: The Spirit of Seattle (Documentary Media), historian Knute Berger explores the tower’s construction and its impact on the history of the city.
The Museum of History and Industry
The Museum of History and Industry is a Smithsonian affiliate that interprets industry past, present and future through dynamic exhibits, hands-on interactives and engaging programs. It is located on the vibrant SteelStacks arts & culture campus in South Bethlehem, PA.
The museum interprets the people, machines and ideas that transformed our country through a rich collection of rare artifacts from Smithsonian Institution. Visitors of all ages can explore the history of industrial machinery and the workers who built it.
The Museum of History and Industry seeks an energetic, innovative, and collaborative Chief of Exhibits and Interpretive Services (CEIS) to guide the development and implementation of an integrated interpretive plan for MOHAI’s exhibits and public programs that effectively serves the residents of the region. The CEIS will work closely with museum leadership, staff and community groups to develop exhibits that represent the story of the region in an inclusive and equitable way, providing space and partnerships for communities to share their own stories.
The Duwamish History Center
If you’re looking for a local history museum, the Duwamish History Center is one of the best in the state. It contains county history artifacts and books, along with photos, archives and manuscripts. It also has a variety of events and guided tours that will help you learn about the city’s past and culture.
The Log House Museum is a historic 1904 gem built from a log swathed by native Pacific Northwest flora. The Museum features indigenous tribal history, a gift shop, rotating native artist exhibits, and group tours. It’s a great place to learn about the Duwamish peninsula and our Alki roots. It’s free to visit and open to the public. You can sign up for a tour here. The museum is a part of the Duwamish Tribe, the host tribe for Seattle.
